The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the glucagon family. It stimulates myocardial contractility, causes vasodilation, increases glycogenolysis, lowers arterial blood pressure and relaxes the smooth muscle of trachea, stomach and gall bladder. The protein also acts as an antimicrobial peptide with antibacterial and antifungal activity. Alternative splicing occurs at this locus and two transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified.